Madhuri Dixit’s ‘Maa Behen’ is a dark comedy thriller that explores themes of patriarchy through the misadventures of a dysfunctional mother-daughter trio in a small Northern Indian town.
Headlined by superstar Madhuri Dixit, Maa Behen is a Hindi-language dark thriller that cleverly intertwines elements of comedy and crime. Directed by Suresh Triveni, the film presents a narrative centered around a dysfunctional mother-daughter trio: Rekha (Dixit), Jaya (Triptii Dimri), and Sushma (Dharna Durga). Their chaotic lives converge during a hysterical conference call initiated by Rekha, following the bizarre death of their neighbor, Guptaji (Ravi Kishan), in Rekha’s home.
Rekha, a young widow, faces ostracism from the residents of her small-town colony in Northern India. Despite her circumstances, she navigates life with a blend of wit and resilience. The death of Mr. Gupta threatens to unravel the fragile stability she has managed to maintain. The investigation into his disappearance is led by Maheshwari (Arunoday Singh), Mr. Gupta’s brother-in-law, and the nosy Mrs. Gupta (Geetanjali Kulkarni), who is determined to uncover the truth.
As the plot unfolds, the mother and her daughters find themselves in a precarious situation, needing to cover up the incident and dispose of the evidence, all while Mrs. Gupta’s suspicions loom large. Adding to their troubles, the colony is buzzing with pre-wedding festivities for Goldy (Rrama Sharma), who has her own history with Sushma, having lost her front teeth in a childhood altercation.
The performances in Maa Behen are noteworthy, with Dixit’s portrayal of Rekha showcasing her ability to adapt and reinvent herself. From being a masseuse to a tiffin caterer, a cyber café owner, and even a liquor store worker, Rekha embodies resilience. Her charm, theatrical flair, and ability to motivate her daughters while simultaneously instilling fear make her character compelling.
Triptii Dimri shines as Jaya, transitioning from a seemingly innocent woman to a fierce individual who recounts the burdens of her marriage while confronting her husband, Manas (Shardul Bharadwaj). Meanwhile, Dharna Durga’s Sushma is a savvy character, determined to make her mark on social media with provocative content.
The film’s title, which plays on sexist Hindi expletives, encapsulates the struggles these women face against societal abuse, judgment, and misogyny. Initially, the trio’s confrontation with the dead body leads to bickering and airing of grievances. However, as they recognize the external forces aiming to undermine them, they unite, transforming from a fractured family into a formidable team. Together, they navigate the chaos, outsmart nosy neighbors, and confront the manipulative men in their lives.
The small-town setting and quirky characters, crafted by writer Pooja Tolani and director Triveni, evoke comparisons to films like Dum Laga Ke Haisha and Bareilly Ki Barfi. The trio’s attempts to conceal the body echo the comedic misadventures found in the series Only Murders in the Building, blending haplessness with unexpected twists.
As the story unfolds, viewers are treated to a tapestry of intrigue, chaos, jealousy, failed romances, and even elements of black magic. The narrative is rich with unexpected developments, including failed poisoning attempts and an attempted kidnapping, leaving audiences guessing about the fate of the characters.
For those intrigued by this darkly comedic tale, Maa Behen is available for streaming on Netflix, promising a blend of laughter and suspense that challenges societal norms.
According to India Currents, the film’s unique approach to storytelling and character development makes it a noteworthy addition to contemporary Indian cinema.